Heads up: Graffiti House is only open from noon to 4p on Saturdays. Sign on the front says those…read morehours will be in place through Dec 2026

It's only open every other Saturday seasonally, but it was a really unique and interesting Civil…read moreWar site - featuring graffiti. It delivers what it promises. This seemed pretty common for troops to occupy houses on their travels and doodle on the walls, but this was a lucky example to preserve it behind paint which was discovered in time for it to avoid demolishion. Some graffiti is better preserved/readable than others, but it is a recent site to be opened to the public, so it's a work in progress. It's interesting to think of the young men who strolled through here 150 years ago. There was a knowledgeable guide who walked us through a few rooms pointing to some of the writing, a small exhibit, and a small gift shop. It's free, but since it's all volunteers, we gave a donation. It won't take very long to go through, but it's a cool historical site to visit in the area.

This is a great little gallery and studio, featuring shows by local artists. Minimalist,…read morestreamlined space in order to showcase the art better. Classes are also offered in the adjoining studios. Pops is currently showing here along with his fellow artists from Building 10 at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center, so husband, Moms and I went to the wine and cheese reception they held to kick off the show. Curators and employees are friendly and knowledgeable, and the caliber of artist is exceptional (no bias here, really). All the pieces on show are for sale, and the gallery also has a little gift area selling smaller pieces like stationery, jewelry, and pottery. Husband and I picked up a miniature ceramic vase for a steal. ArtSpace is a bit isolated and remotely located near "Old Town" Herndon, but it's worth seeking out.

We went here today and were delighted to see the watercolor and some oil works by two Loudoun…read morecounty artists (Catherine Hills and Jill Poyerd). It's a large airy room and showed about 40 (?) paintings, about twenty from each with subjects ranging from children, landscapes, plants and some a little more complicated. Although it was a little hard to find, there was adequate parking and a selection of restaurants nearby in old Herndon center where you could have lunch if you wanted.

Stopped in for a look at the museum. The entrance is around back and the building is mostly a…read moreheadquarters and meeting room for various horse, hunt, and hound organizations. When we rang the bell, we were greeted by a very nice lady who showed us around and answered our questions. It is a beautiful building and would be most meaningful to a horse person, particularly fox hunters. Nevertheless, we were glad we stopped by!

Welcoming and attentive. The store has a variety of items with a wide range of price points. I have…read morealso had a number of things repaired and the prices are beyond reasonable and the turn around time is quick. Definitely recommend for a one of a kind piece.

Mystique Jewelers is the Gem Of Middleburg, as I often refer to it as the Tiffanys of Middleburg…read more Whenever I am in Middleburg, I always enjoy venturing into the store to see what new exquisite pieces they have on display. I have been fortunate to observe on many occasions the exceptional experience and attention to detail Mystique's owner and staff provides each person who walks through their doors. Recently my wife had work done by Mystique on her rings and she was ecstatic with both the service and the work. Do yourself a favor next time you are in Middleburg, take the time to stop in and enjoy an exceptional experience.

Sleepy Dragon Books is this super uber cool little bookstore on Center Street in Old Town Manassas…read more I think they've been open for 3-4 weeks now. I made by way down to Old Town Manassas to check them out after seeing news about them on social media. I met the owners - the super nice Emily and Chloe. They have a nice collection of science fiction, fantasy, fiction, some romance - and some other topics. They also have some gift items. I characterize their cool bookstore as "Small but Mighty!" I didn't walk out with any books today - but I did purchase a plushie Emerald Dragon from them! I will be back soon! Check out their store! #SleepyDragonBooks

In an area better known for technology, GRACE is the prime jewel in Reston's cultural tapestry…read more Not only does this beautiful art space at the lower end of the Reston Town Center bring the best in cutting edge contemporary art and artists to Reston, but their annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival is one of the most respected and best fine arts and crafts outdoor arts festivals in the nation. For that event GRACE brings several hundred artists and craftspeople from all over the nation for a two day art extravaganza in May. This is the perfect family outing for the art lover. The Center also offers all kinds of classes, talks and events designed to bring a powerful art presence to Restonians.

I went to the 2014 Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival in Reston. This is an annual event held…read moreevery year in mid-May. The Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) sponsors the event. Over 200 artists from around the country participate and set up booths in the Reston Town Center to display and sell their works. The items displayed are very professional and generally very attractive. The items range from traditional to the unusual. However, the items for sale tend to be very expensive. I'd recommend this festival; it is unique and has creative art.

Located very close to the Dulles airport and the National Air Museum . There's free and easy…read moreparking.Entrance is also free.If you want to take a tour that does cost a fee . I came here without expectations and open to what I would see. The area is very walkable.There's a visitor center . It has information and artifacts from the property . It's also where tour tickets can be purchased .I was able to tour the grounds, including the recreated enslaved quarters. I was able to go inside of the enslaved quarters. Some of the buildings are undergoing renovations and can only be viewed from the outside. This includes the main house.The guide stood in the middle of the grassy area and talked about the main house. He also showed pictures of the inside. Yes, this area was part of the Underground Railroad , but not as a beacon of freedom. It is also on the national registry of historic places. Owned by north Virginia's first congressman and his family this was a working plantation. At one point it was also used by confederate soldiers. Give yourself at least 45 minutes for the grounds.

This is a nice little historic site from Richard Bland Lee. There is a small gift shop/visitor's…read morecenter, a couple of outer buildings, then the main house. Our tour guide was great at explaining the history of the house and all the people who lived here. She explained the uses of each room and what was authentic. There was a small, old-fashioned classroom (since they educated local children) and an upper floor with a bunch of spinning equipment they show off more on field trips. Our tour group had about 6 people, so it was quiet and easy to ask questions if we had them. It was a nice little site and window into life in the 19th century.

The Berkley Gallery II is the sister art gallery to the Berkley Gallery - they are located across…read morethe street from one another. The Berkley Gallery II contains a range of framed artwork, but it also has a number of other interesting pieces: figurines, carvings, knives, an old grandfather clock, and other misc. art pieces. One of my favorite pieces was an easel, holding up a painting - the easel was constructed from three restored boat oars. A unique and interesting way to present the art!